William H. Zhe

After spending a week of vacation with his family, Bill Zhe passed suddenly on August 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of public service, friendship, and family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Cindy (Romocki) Zhe; children, Jeremy (Kari) Zhe-Heimerman, Elizabeth Zhe (Robert Vidoni), Jonathan Zhe (Dana Pierce), Michael (Christina) Zhe; sister, Jane (Roy) Hyland; grandchildren, Henry, Helen, Addie, and Fred Zhe-Heimerman; Evanthia and Livia Zhe-Vidoni; Jonas Zhe; Willa, River, and Dylan Zhe; several nieces and nephews, and many friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Leona Zhe, and his close friends Bert Brinkerhoff, Ray Skinner, and John Marks.

Bill was born to Leona and Fred in 1947 and spent his early years on the small farm in Maine, New York that was passed down from his grandfather. A year after his birth, he was joined by his sister Jane. Fred and Leona were both heavily involved in their small town’s community life. Among many contributions to Maine, Leona was a public school teacher and Fred served as Justice of the Peace. Bill and Jane loved growing up with good friends in a small town, leading both to choose to raise their own families in similar places.

In 1965, Bill graduated from Maine-Endwell High School and enrolled in the University at Albany, beginning a family tradition of participating in the high-quality education offered by SUNY institutions. The good times in Delancey Hall didn’t end when Bill graduated in 1969. He worked to bring the guys and their families together for annual reunions for decades after.

Bill’s life of public service began as a security guard at the Broome County Airport while still in high school, but he began work out of college at New York State’s Division for Youth Industry School in Rush. He soon met Cindy Romocki, a student teacher from SUNY Geneseo, and added a new circle of friendship with the “33 North girls” that continues to this day.

Bill and Cindy married on August 12, 1972. He brought his steady Protestant demeanor to the big, boisterous, and Catholic Romocki family. Bill and Cindy moved to Avon in 1975 when they bought the home that Bill expanded and cared for over the next 50 years. As they began to raise children, Bill’s life centered around their activities. He would pile the kids into the Ford Club Wagon each spring for family vacations. Bill loved to play baseball and basketball with them and was a model parent spectator at their countless games, quietly being present and enjoying their efforts. He served as Treasurer of Avon Cub Scouts, as Avon Little League Treasurer for 5 years, and Little League President for 10 years.

Meanwhile, Bill actively participated in the Public Employees Federation by serving as a steward for 21 years and on their executive board for 18 years. He helped to negotiate union contracts with the state, advocated for union interests at the state legislature, and later joined in their retiree organizing efforts. His enjoyment of the Avon Downs drew him to join the Parks Commission, beginning decades of service for the Village of Avon.
After retiring from his career teaching youth in 2003, Bill further stepped up his Avon community involvement. He was elected to the Village Board of Trustees and served for 20 years, his last term as deputy mayor.

He was a dedicated supporter of the Avon Food Pantry, helping to organize Food Link distributions, picking up food from local restaurants and grocery stores, and supporting the directors in countless ways. He loved spending time with friends – walks, pickleball, Thursday breakfasts, and occasionally a good IPA.

Beginning in 2006, Bill most enjoyed his grandchildren. “Buppa” read them books and worked on puzzles; built lemonade stands and stilts; attended concerts and games; bragged to friends about their lives; and regularly brought smiles to the faces of what grew to 10 grandchildren. Bill’s children and grandchildren learned the virtues of integrity, responsibility, thrift, hard work, service, and generosity that he modeled in his daily life. He’s left a hole that cannot be filled.

Family and friends are invited to call Friday, September 5, 2025 from 4-7 pm at the Stephenson-Dougherty Funeral Home, 350 Genesee Street, Avon. Celebration of Life will be held at the Avon Inn on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 11am to 4pm. Private interment, Avon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Avon Food Pantry, 96 Prospect Street, Avon, NY 14414.